Immunotherapy in all aspects

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 Jun;273(6):1347-55. doi: 10.1007/s00405-015-3553-5. Epub 2015 Feb 12.

Abstract

Allergen immunotherapy is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy) or stinging insect allergy. In this review, we presented the important topics in immunotherapy. The important aspects of immunotherapy are considered to be "Immunologıcal responses to immunotherapy"; "The principal types of immunotherapy"; "Effectiveness"; "Indications"; "Contraindications"; "Allergen immunotherapy in children"; "Safety"; and "Anaphylactic reactions after immunotherapy". The principal types of immunotherapy are subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy. Both of them can be used in indicated cases. When using SCIT, physicians must be more careful because of reported rare fatal cases. The risks and benefits of continuing allergen immunotherapy in patients who have experienced severe systemic reactions should be carefully considered.

Keywords: Effectiveness; Immunotherapy; Safety; Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT); Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Anaphylaxis / immunology
  • Asthma / therapy
  • Contraindications
  • Desensitization, Immunologic / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Patient Selection
  • Rhinitis, Allergic / immunology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic / therapy
  • Sublingual Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Sublingual Immunotherapy / methods